Winter Roof Maintenance – Winterize Your Roof

It’s that time of year again where the leaves start changing colours and falling, erasing the few remaining traces of summer.

With the harsh winter weather approaching fast, it’s essential to cover the winter roof maintenance basics and begin winterizing your roof. The roof is responsible for protecting your home from the elements, be it rain, snow, or strong winds.

The fall time offers you the perfect opportunity to have your roof examined and repaired for any damages so that it can perform its best in the upcoming winter.

Performing basic maintenance tasks will help prevent damage caused by ice dams from occurring, as well as keep your home safe and comfortable. It’s important to get any work needed out of the way before it gets too cold to do so.

Clean the Gutters and Downspouts

Although not exactly a part of the roof, gutters and downspouts need to be cleared of any debris before the winter season arrives.

Material such as twigs, leaves, and moss gets accumulated in the gutters during the fall, clogging the water exit and disrupting water flow. If left uncleaned, the water trapped in the gutters will create ice dams, which can separate the shingles from the roof and allow moisture into your home.

Pests such as squirrels, raccoons, and birds often make clogged gutters their new home, so be sure to keep an eye out for any animal or fungi infestations.

Check Attic Insulation

Having good attic insulation will not only keep the house warm but will also save on energy bills.

Ice dams can be created if there isn’t a sufficient amount of insulation stopping the heat transfer. As the hot air rises to the attic ceiling, it will begin warming the bottom of the roof and melting the snow.

Once the temperature drops again, the melted snow will refreeze in the form of ice, wreaking havoc on your roof. Proper insulation will help keep the surface of the shingles cool, preventing ice dams from forming.

Trim Nearby Trees

Take a walk around your property and check to see if you have any tree limbs or branches hovering above or close to your home.

Trees with low-hanging branches near your roof can be a great threat during the winter months. A build-up of snow and ice will weigh down the branches, causing them to snap under the additional weight and fall on your roof.

Trimming the trees surrounding your home is a necessary step when winterizing your roof, as it will eliminate the risk of falling branches and help you avoid unwanted roof repair costs.

Winter Roof Maintenance in Ottawa

With the winter season right around the corner, it’s crucial to make sure your roof is ready for the harsh, cold months ahead.

Our expert contractors at Century Roofing have the training and expertise needed to turn your roof into the best version it can possibly be. We’ve made it our mission to provide excellent roof repair and maintenance services to all of our beloved clients.

Reach out to us to learn more about winter roof maintenance and get a free, no-obligation quote today.